ECONOMIC KUZNETS CURVE IN EGYPT DURING THE ECONOMIC REFORM PROGRAM (1991 - 2010)

Abstract

This research verified the applicability of Kuznets hypothesis and its economic curve to Egypt during the economic reform program period from 1991 to 2010, using official data issued by the World Bank regarding per capita national income and income distribution indicators. It was shown that the Kuznets curve applied, starting from 1994, and the curve reversed after four years, i.e. in 1999, but the economic reform program after 11 years from the curve reversing did not succeed in achieving better levels of income distribution than it was at the beginning of its implementation. Therefore, it is advised to take stronger and better steps to improve income distribution in any second economic reform program in Egypt, and not to follow the same policies that were previously followed by the first program.